Today was one of those days that almost everything went wrong.
It all started last night when our apartment gate crashed into our car, leaving some green paint on our car and leaving it dented and scratched. It wasn't too bad but enough to cause us stress.
We got up, got the day going and went to talk to our apartment management. They pretty much made our day worse by saying it was our fault and we ended up with the apartment manager raising her voice at us (even though we were sitting down on the couch, trying to remain calm).
Then we get up to our apartment after having to walk out of the office with nothing resolved and we got on our bank account and discovered that they never refunded us our over draft fees for several fraud charges...thus leaving us overdrawn a LOT further than we thought, along with more fraud charges. When I called the bank, the lady had already left for the day and I couldn't get any help.
Then my husband went to work and the day was relatively bad for sales.
Alright, so all that is just the story of my day...but what I'm wanting to say is what went on in my heart.
I found that as the management lady was raising her voice at me and accusing me of things that weren't my problem, anger arose in my heart. Now, I'm a red-head. I'm fiery, and high-strung. And my pregnancy hormones don't make it any easier on me! I remember trying to sit calmly and still talk rationally to this woman, but as she continued to tell me she didn't have time for my -insert bad word here- and refusing to help me, the more my ire got up. My feathers were ruffled. I'm not even sure what I said to her. All I wanted was to get out of the building before I really blew up. It was really bad. I remember feeling this boiling sensation in my chest and hearing the blood pound in my ears.
Then when I had somewhat calmed down after getting back home, I was trying to deal with the bank. My husband had tried calling first, but somehow he got hung up on (I think it was a technical error, not on purpose). He was frustrated, so I offered to call. Now I kept myself together even tho the lady wasn't really nice when she was informing me the person handling my "case" was already gone for the day.
I keep thinking about my day and feeling slightly guilty, because I so want to be like Jesus when I'm communicating with people. I know the way the lady treated my husband and me in the management office wasn't right, but that still doesn't give me the right to be angry or mean in return.
Do any of you have days that you find yourself failing in being like Jesus? What do you do when that happens? I mean, in circumstances like mine today.
Blessings~
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thoughts On Halloween
So today is Halloween and it got me to thinking.
I grew up thinking/being taught that Halloween is a bad, satanic holiday and is one that Christians don't participate in. I left the community that taught that, and was thrust into the Christian world that was completely unfamiliar to me. I didn't know half of what churches in this day and age believed, taught or thought. I've had a very hard time adjusting to it all out here.
But today, as I was driving down the free-way, coming home from walking the mall (getting exercise), and I saw this plastic hand along side the free-way with "blood" pouring out of it. It looked gross. I saw other people walking around with creepy, disgusting costumes on; monsters, aliens, werewolves, vampires and all sorts of other creepy things. I didn't feel peace when I looked at them. I felt horrified and "scared."
Ok, now I know everyone doesn't dress with that creepy stuff. Some dress up as Disney characters, or the military, or any other numerous "harmless" characters. There's nothing wrong with non-creepy costumes.
But my problem and question is, "why do anything for Halloween" even if you're not dressing as a creepy creature? Isn't it supporting the "cause" even if you mean everything to be harmless?
I look at it this way, and maybe my way of thinking is wrong. Very likely I'm a wee bit "off" in my thinking, due to the fact of the sway the teachings I had during my growing up years. But I see it as, why would we want to support something that scares people? Didn't Jesus come to bring peace and comfort? He came to heal and bind up wounds. When I look at Halloween, even though it is a "Christianity rooted holiday" I see a lot of satanic action going on. Why is it celebrated at night? Why do the kids have to go trick-or-treating at night, instead of during the day? After all Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are all celebrated during the day. What is the point of observing a day that is full of scary stuff?
I'm not trying to judge here. It just makes me really uncomfortable when I see churches and Christians celebrating, going to festivals and participating along with everyone. I don't quite understand the "outreach" thing, of "reaching the community" if you're going to be doing the same exact thing they are. I can understand of using that time for meeting your neighbors and saying hello. But dressing up in costumes, passing out candy, going to festivals (at night) with all the creepy jack-o-lanterns and weird, eery noises going on doesn't make sense to me.
Maybe I need someone to clarify their reasoning/thoughts/teachings on this issue. I'm just sharing my thoughts.
Thanks for reading and sorry if I'm offensive!
Blessings~
I found this when I Googled "Christians and Halloween" and found this very interesting. Especially read the scriptures.
Show your children the Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Explain to them that God does not want us to do what everyone else in the world thinks is acceptable, but He wants us to be special and do only the things that he thinks is acceptable.
You can also explain to your children that Halloween is simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the dangerous items that have been given out to children who are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns of Christian parents is the connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even though new traditions, such as trick or treating and dressing up in costumes may seem innocent - but many people feel it is glorifying things that go against Christian beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining the history behind the traditions, it might help children understand why, instead of just, “because we said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources could help lead the conversation. Although not all the experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions, most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a family instead of the traditional Halloween activities. Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah Night” where they get together and play games. This year, our church is having a Harvest of Blessing Festival on October 31st. Even if your church doesn’t have a similar activity, I'm sure one nearby will have a Festival you can attend. And if there's nothing near your home, you can still do something as a family. You could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly movie night. Your children could even invite other friends.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to apply the same standards to other things that fall into the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example, if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be confusing to the children.
I grew up thinking/being taught that Halloween is a bad, satanic holiday and is one that Christians don't participate in. I left the community that taught that, and was thrust into the Christian world that was completely unfamiliar to me. I didn't know half of what churches in this day and age believed, taught or thought. I've had a very hard time adjusting to it all out here.
But today, as I was driving down the free-way, coming home from walking the mall (getting exercise), and I saw this plastic hand along side the free-way with "blood" pouring out of it. It looked gross. I saw other people walking around with creepy, disgusting costumes on; monsters, aliens, werewolves, vampires and all sorts of other creepy things. I didn't feel peace when I looked at them. I felt horrified and "scared."
Ok, now I know everyone doesn't dress with that creepy stuff. Some dress up as Disney characters, or the military, or any other numerous "harmless" characters. There's nothing wrong with non-creepy costumes.
But my problem and question is, "why do anything for Halloween" even if you're not dressing as a creepy creature? Isn't it supporting the "cause" even if you mean everything to be harmless?
I look at it this way, and maybe my way of thinking is wrong. Very likely I'm a wee bit "off" in my thinking, due to the fact of the sway the teachings I had during my growing up years. But I see it as, why would we want to support something that scares people? Didn't Jesus come to bring peace and comfort? He came to heal and bind up wounds. When I look at Halloween, even though it is a "Christianity rooted holiday" I see a lot of satanic action going on. Why is it celebrated at night? Why do the kids have to go trick-or-treating at night, instead of during the day? After all Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are all celebrated during the day. What is the point of observing a day that is full of scary stuff?
I'm not trying to judge here. It just makes me really uncomfortable when I see churches and Christians celebrating, going to festivals and participating along with everyone. I don't quite understand the "outreach" thing, of "reaching the community" if you're going to be doing the same exact thing they are. I can understand of using that time for meeting your neighbors and saying hello. But dressing up in costumes, passing out candy, going to festivals (at night) with all the creepy jack-o-lanterns and weird, eery noises going on doesn't make sense to me.
Maybe I need someone to clarify their reasoning/thoughts/teachings on this issue. I'm just sharing my thoughts.
Thanks for reading and sorry if I'm offensive!
Blessings~
I found this when I Googled "Christians and Halloween" and found this very interesting. Especially read the scriptures.
Halloween has come under a close scrutiny by families over the last few years. Some have chosen to not celebrate Halloween because of the connection to pagan and satanic beliefs, others for safety reasons. It can be hard for children to understand parents’ decisions, especially when they see their friends going trick or treating without them or when they are not allowed to attend a party. The history of Halloween blends so many different ideas from so many cultures and religious beliefs that it could take awhile to explain it, especially to younger children.
When discussing it with your children, it is important to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
When discussing it with your children, it is important to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
Show your children the Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Explain to them that God does not want us to do what everyone else in the world thinks is acceptable, but He wants us to be special and do only the things that he thinks is acceptable.
You can also explain to your children that Halloween is simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the dangerous items that have been given out to children who are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns of Christian parents is the connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even though new traditions, such as trick or treating and dressing up in costumes may seem innocent - but many people feel it is glorifying things that go against Christian beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining the history behind the traditions, it might help children understand why, instead of just, “because we said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources could help lead the conversation. Although not all the experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions, most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a family instead of the traditional Halloween activities. Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah Night” where they get together and play games. This year, our church is having a Harvest of Blessing Festival on October 31st. Even if your church doesn’t have a similar activity, I'm sure one nearby will have a Festival you can attend. And if there's nothing near your home, you can still do something as a family. You could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly movie night. Your children could even invite other friends.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to apply the same standards to other things that fall into the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example, if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be confusing to the children.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Walk Through the Valley....
.....with Jesus
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Even when it's dark and lonely, there is always someone walking with us. If you've ever read "Pilgrims Progress" you might have a picture in your mind of a guy, walking along a very narrow path, surrounded by demons and horrible things, flying, whispering, screaming, clawing and biting him; him holding out a Bible, reading this scripture out loud, yet the demonic forces are so strong, the voices still penetrate his mind and heart. He chooses to read out loud, then yells it. It took strong, strong determination to drive away the voices that tormented him. But it was through his prayers and determination that Jesus was able to be there.
"Christian" invited Him to his dark and lonely place and when Jesus saw He was welcome, He went and took care of Christian. Jesus was there all the time; He just waited for the invitation to help. Jesus wants us to ask Him to be there. Jesus wants us to want Him there, to be our best friend. Sometimes we can get so caught up in every day life, that we forget the battle that is at hand. When life is going easy, we can forget that we still need Him. Jesus doesn't want to be a "fair weather friend." He wants to be a friend that is there for us at all times and for us to want Him there at all times. We can so easily just cry out to Him in our time of need and forget Him in all the other times. I know, in my life, I've found sooooo often I forget to pray for His help on a daily basis. I forget to invite Him into my daily life and chores. Then when tragedy strikes, I find myself on my knees. Then of course, I get ashamed, because I feel guilty, as if I shouldn't be asking Him for anything. Then comes the "promises" of "I promise, I'll remember to involve You in my daily life if You'll just help me now...." and then I think, "I don't and shouldn't be putting conditions on God and His help!!!" Ohhh, how many times I've gone on that circle.
When I involve Him in my daily life, even in the small things, like doing the dishes, or laundry, or making the bed, my relationship with Him is so much richer, fuller and exciting. I find Him speaking to me through the small things, and encouraging me in things that would normally be just "ordinary" in every day life.
Everyone is going to fall, fail and forget, but don't be discouraged. Jesus is always there to pick you up, brush you off and help you continue on. I've discovered that He is always willing to welcome me back as a friend, as soon as I show an interest. It's amazing how awesome He is, and how forgiving He is!!! I just wish I didn't forget to involve Him in my life as often as I do!
Blessings to you all~
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Even when it's dark and lonely, there is always someone walking with us. If you've ever read "Pilgrims Progress" you might have a picture in your mind of a guy, walking along a very narrow path, surrounded by demons and horrible things, flying, whispering, screaming, clawing and biting him; him holding out a Bible, reading this scripture out loud, yet the demonic forces are so strong, the voices still penetrate his mind and heart. He chooses to read out loud, then yells it. It took strong, strong determination to drive away the voices that tormented him. But it was through his prayers and determination that Jesus was able to be there.
"Christian" invited Him to his dark and lonely place and when Jesus saw He was welcome, He went and took care of Christian. Jesus was there all the time; He just waited for the invitation to help. Jesus wants us to ask Him to be there. Jesus wants us to want Him there, to be our best friend. Sometimes we can get so caught up in every day life, that we forget the battle that is at hand. When life is going easy, we can forget that we still need Him. Jesus doesn't want to be a "fair weather friend." He wants to be a friend that is there for us at all times and for us to want Him there at all times. We can so easily just cry out to Him in our time of need and forget Him in all the other times. I know, in my life, I've found sooooo often I forget to pray for His help on a daily basis. I forget to invite Him into my daily life and chores. Then when tragedy strikes, I find myself on my knees. Then of course, I get ashamed, because I feel guilty, as if I shouldn't be asking Him for anything. Then comes the "promises" of "I promise, I'll remember to involve You in my daily life if You'll just help me now...." and then I think, "I don't and shouldn't be putting conditions on God and His help!!!" Ohhh, how many times I've gone on that circle.
When I involve Him in my daily life, even in the small things, like doing the dishes, or laundry, or making the bed, my relationship with Him is so much richer, fuller and exciting. I find Him speaking to me through the small things, and encouraging me in things that would normally be just "ordinary" in every day life.
Everyone is going to fall, fail and forget, but don't be discouraged. Jesus is always there to pick you up, brush you off and help you continue on. I've discovered that He is always willing to welcome me back as a friend, as soon as I show an interest. It's amazing how awesome He is, and how forgiving He is!!! I just wish I didn't forget to involve Him in my life as often as I do!
Blessings to you all~
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Taking God out of Schools
And Putting God Back In Schools.....
This morning I was reading on Fox News San Diego that a school pretty close to me was taken to court for hanging a sign in a classroom saying, "God bless America, In God We Trust, One Nation Under God and God Shed His Grace on Us." Of course, there is an appeal going, saying that the teacher did not violate any laws, according to the First Amendment Rights, (ok, I'm not into politics and I don't know half of what all these big words mean, but I'm just quoting what I read).
It amazes me what schools are putting into our children's minds, and then completely taking God out of it all. I thought that on American money, it says, "In God We Trust." To me, if we're not going to be allowed to have God in our schools, it should be taken off the money. It saddens me that children are growing up to think that it took millions and billions of years for the earth to evolve, when in fact, it only took 6 days! It's a miracle, and for some, it's too hard to believe. But for me, I think it's easier to believe in a God that is all miraculous.
I remember when I lived in Texas, and we lived right next to a high school, driving by in the morning and seeing all the teenagers stand in a huge circle, holding hands, heads bowed, praying! In today's schools that wouldn't be allowed! that would be considered "breaking the law." Why is it such a crime to be a Christian, and pray, in school? I'm not against other religions being "shared about" in schools. But I don't appreciate schools taking Christianity out and leaving evolution and Islam in. Those "religions" can be and often must be talked about. Especially with all the world events of today, Islam is a very big subject in every day life. It's important for our children to understand what is going on in the world, and the different religions that are believed in.
I can only hope that, we as parents, raise our children for the glory of God where they can go, and reach the world with the Good News while they're in school. That their loving God spreads to their friends around them. I'm still trying to decide, along with my husband, of course!, if we're going to send our children to school, or keep them home, and me school them. Part of me wants to protect my children from the influence of the world and all the junk that comes with going to Public School and then part of me hopes to raise my children right, to where, when they go to school, they see that as the mission field. I want to raise my children where their desire is to serve God, and to be missionaries to their friends! So many thoughts and decisions to make, but the first one is to pray for our Nation and pray that God will make me into the parent that He desires for me. And I pray every day that God will help me raise the children He has gifted me with!
This morning I was reading on Fox News San Diego that a school pretty close to me was taken to court for hanging a sign in a classroom saying, "God bless America, In God We Trust, One Nation Under God and God Shed His Grace on Us." Of course, there is an appeal going, saying that the teacher did not violate any laws, according to the First Amendment Rights, (ok, I'm not into politics and I don't know half of what all these big words mean, but I'm just quoting what I read).
It amazes me what schools are putting into our children's minds, and then completely taking God out of it all. I thought that on American money, it says, "In God We Trust." To me, if we're not going to be allowed to have God in our schools, it should be taken off the money. It saddens me that children are growing up to think that it took millions and billions of years for the earth to evolve, when in fact, it only took 6 days! It's a miracle, and for some, it's too hard to believe. But for me, I think it's easier to believe in a God that is all miraculous.
I remember when I lived in Texas, and we lived right next to a high school, driving by in the morning and seeing all the teenagers stand in a huge circle, holding hands, heads bowed, praying! In today's schools that wouldn't be allowed! that would be considered "breaking the law." Why is it such a crime to be a Christian, and pray, in school? I'm not against other religions being "shared about" in schools. But I don't appreciate schools taking Christianity out and leaving evolution and Islam in. Those "religions" can be and often must be talked about. Especially with all the world events of today, Islam is a very big subject in every day life. It's important for our children to understand what is going on in the world, and the different religions that are believed in.
I can only hope that, we as parents, raise our children for the glory of God where they can go, and reach the world with the Good News while they're in school. That their loving God spreads to their friends around them. I'm still trying to decide, along with my husband, of course!, if we're going to send our children to school, or keep them home, and me school them. Part of me wants to protect my children from the influence of the world and all the junk that comes with going to Public School and then part of me hopes to raise my children right, to where, when they go to school, they see that as the mission field. I want to raise my children where their desire is to serve God, and to be missionaries to their friends! So many thoughts and decisions to make, but the first one is to pray for our Nation and pray that God will make me into the parent that He desires for me. And I pray every day that God will help me raise the children He has gifted me with!
Friday, August 26, 2011
A friend of mine has a blog about modesty and I've been reading it and getting more and more interested on what modesty means and where this search might lead me. I've come to realize that modesty can be so easily thought of in different ways. Some think that covering their bodies where their "stuff" isn't hanging out. Some think that it's wearing things that are all loosey-goosey and "frumpy." (stole that word from another blog...but I honesty think that it fits!)
I've struggled myself to figure out what God wants from me, personally. I think God has a path of modesty for each person and it is each person's responsibility to discover what God wants of them. I don't think that those who feel that long, full, fluffy dresses are the way to go, are any less than those who believe jeans and a higher necked shirt is the way to go. As long as we feel that we're following what God wants, that is what matters.
Modesty and clothing seem to be a very controversial issue this day and age amongst Christians and churches. Some preach that as long as it's "womanly" and not showing off parts of the body that shouldn't be showing, is modest. Then others say that guys where pants and women wear dresses. And to be honest, I'm still discovering the path that God wants for me. I grew up in a community where women had long hair and wore long dresses. I honestly loved it and I still think that the girls look so much better in long dresses and I really miss those days. And now you're asking, "so what are you doing different now, and why did you change?"
Good question.
After I left the church that followed those practices, I went to a Bible college, called CFNI. For a while I dressed the way I was used to, but slowly but surely, I felt God leading me into a different path. Now something I want to say here is that I believe there is a place for EVERY type of modesty. I believe God uses each kind for His purpose and to reach different people. I don't think there is a way that is a wrong way, or a right way, as long as it's sincerely modest and is what God is calling you to do. To me, this is what a pastor once called, "grey areas" of Christianity. I can't find anywhere in the Bible that it specifically says what God wants men or women to wear. In fact, when the Bible was written, men and women dressed "alike," just the colors where different and maybe the style was a little different too. (At least according to the carvings and old drawings we've seen). I think what God is wanting is that there be a distinction between what a man wears and what a woman wears. If a woman chooses to wear pants with a shirt that a man could wear (and still look like a man), then I think there might need to be some changes. But if a woman wears some jeans with a girly, modest blouse, then she is distinguishing herself as a woman. Personally, when I've chosen to wear jeans, I've chosen to wear a long shirt/blouse that goes way below my waist line. But lately, I've felt more comfortable and "settled" wearing some to-my-knee, or a little below that, skirts. I feel more womanly in skirts. You'll never see a man wear a skirt! LOL... but then again, I don't have a specific problem with wearing some jeans every once in a while. I just have certain guidelines I follow and if I look myself in the mirror and feel even slightly "off" about it, I change my clothes.
As women of God, I also believe we need to be aware of how we're affecting the men around us. And we need to realize that to "win" a man's heart, we don't need to be adorned with everything imaginable, but to just be ourselves and to be a Proverbs 31 woman. Take a look at Proverbs 31...
Blessings~
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Purity
Today I was reading something and came across a young woman's post. She is a young Christian, who wants to serve God, but something in what she wrote struck me wrong.
I know she didn't mean anything by it, but as I started contemplating what she said, more and more "stuff" about purity stuck out to me. I mentioned to my husband what she said and he agreed. I don't want to judge, but I am going to share in simplicity what she said and explain further what I feel...you can agree to disagree with me if you like! LOL
Her comment was this, "I was singing in the shower, 'Oh Taste and See that the Lord, He is good.' " In short, there is nothing wrong with what she said. In fact, it's encouraging to know that people are singing praises to Jesus. But there is one part in there that doesn't encourage purity.
Yup, you've got it...the "shower" part. I think her intentions were great. I think her thoughts were pure. I don't think she had motive to say or do something that could lead to impurity at all. But that is where women need to think about what their thoughts, actions and words will do to other people. I asked my husband about that comment, because I just felt it was a little "off." He said to me,
"Men are visual. When people say, 'I saw a red car,' guys see a red car in our minds eye. When people say that they're 'in the shower' that is what we see. God made us that way, and it's not like we're these sexual animals all the time, it's just the way we're created."
Our men want to remain pure in thought. We want to encourage our young boys and growing, "discovering" young men to think pure, act pure and be pure. We, as women need to cautiously consider everything we do, from the things we say, to the things we dress in. Often times that cute shirt we like so much is something that will draw attention to our bodies in a way that will cause a man to stumble. When we unthinkingly say or do something that causes a man to think something impure, we are causing him to sin and encouraging him to commit adultery. Women of God don't want to be impure, let alone cause a man to fall into sin too. Our goals need to be thoughtful of them...making sure that we're walking in purity and love for them. Sometimes it means double thinking before we say something for guys to read, or it might mean dropping off our favorite shirt at Good Will, or even dumping it in the trash. It pulls something from us that brings us to a place of selflessness; thinking of others beyond ourselves. In doing that, we're laying down our desires and dreams to fulfill God's purest will for us.
Sometimes that cute shirt that we love so much is fine for someone else, but for us; the way we're built or the way the shirt falls on us, doesn't help us bring more purity into the world. Sometimes someone can say something a certain way, in person, to someone and it's perfectly fine, but for someone else, if they say it, it causes people to imagine impure things. We need to think about what our actions and words are doing to our men. If we want to encourage them in purity, then we need to be able to control ourselves in what we say, do or even think. We need to put them before ourselves and love them the way Jesus calls us too.
I don't know if this made sense....I kinda have rambling thoughts tonight...but there it is. Blessings~
I know she didn't mean anything by it, but as I started contemplating what she said, more and more "stuff" about purity stuck out to me. I mentioned to my husband what she said and he agreed. I don't want to judge, but I am going to share in simplicity what she said and explain further what I feel...you can agree to disagree with me if you like! LOL
Her comment was this, "I was singing in the shower, 'Oh Taste and See that the Lord, He is good.' " In short, there is nothing wrong with what she said. In fact, it's encouraging to know that people are singing praises to Jesus. But there is one part in there that doesn't encourage purity.
Yup, you've got it...the "shower" part. I think her intentions were great. I think her thoughts were pure. I don't think she had motive to say or do something that could lead to impurity at all. But that is where women need to think about what their thoughts, actions and words will do to other people. I asked my husband about that comment, because I just felt it was a little "off." He said to me,
"Men are visual. When people say, 'I saw a red car,' guys see a red car in our minds eye. When people say that they're 'in the shower' that is what we see. God made us that way, and it's not like we're these sexual animals all the time, it's just the way we're created."
Our men want to remain pure in thought. We want to encourage our young boys and growing, "discovering" young men to think pure, act pure and be pure. We, as women need to cautiously consider everything we do, from the things we say, to the things we dress in. Often times that cute shirt we like so much is something that will draw attention to our bodies in a way that will cause a man to stumble. When we unthinkingly say or do something that causes a man to think something impure, we are causing him to sin and encouraging him to commit adultery. Women of God don't want to be impure, let alone cause a man to fall into sin too. Our goals need to be thoughtful of them...making sure that we're walking in purity and love for them. Sometimes it means double thinking before we say something for guys to read, or it might mean dropping off our favorite shirt at Good Will, or even dumping it in the trash. It pulls something from us that brings us to a place of selflessness; thinking of others beyond ourselves. In doing that, we're laying down our desires and dreams to fulfill God's purest will for us.
Sometimes that cute shirt that we love so much is fine for someone else, but for us; the way we're built or the way the shirt falls on us, doesn't help us bring more purity into the world. Sometimes someone can say something a certain way, in person, to someone and it's perfectly fine, but for someone else, if they say it, it causes people to imagine impure things. We need to think about what our actions and words are doing to our men. If we want to encourage them in purity, then we need to be able to control ourselves in what we say, do or even think. We need to put them before ourselves and love them the way Jesus calls us too.
I don't know if this made sense....I kinda have rambling thoughts tonight...but there it is. Blessings~
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Help Comes From The Lord
| | ||
from whence cometh my help,
my help cometh from the Lord,
the Lord which made Heaven and Earth.
He said He would not suffer thy foot,
thy foot to be moved;
the Lord which keepeth thee,
He will not slumber nor sleep.
Oh the Lord is thy keeper,
the Lord is thy shade
upon thy right hand,
upon thy right hand.
No, the sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night,
He shall preserve thy soul
even forever more.
Been reading this song and the scripture and it's just been SO encouraging to me lately, so I thought I'd share it here! I am so glad that the Lord really is my helper and that He does give me help!
Blessings~
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Learning to Live in the Glory
When I say the words, "Learning to live in the glory" my mind starts churning, to actually figure out what those words mean. Often times I get this mental picture of clouds all around; you know, the dark, foreboding clouds, black and tumultuous, heavy and full of rain, then this little sliver of sun light shoots out through the clouds and shines on one certain spot and that spot is illuminated. I think of that "spot" being the "glory." I imagine that is God's special spot for me. Sometimes it seems that the storms of life are raging all around me, sometimes even inside me, but when I choose to stay in that sliver of light, there can be peace.
The reason I say there "can be peace" is because I believe that we have to choose to live in the glory, to live in the peace, to live in the light. But we can also choose to wallow in self pity, depression and fear, allowing the storms to rage and never find true peace.
Life is stressful at times, but if we choose to live in the glory, then we'll have peace. Living in the glory isn't easy at times, because we see the circumstances all around us; we see the rain, we see the black clouds, we see it all, but it's just around us, not in us. The problems are still there, they still need to be solved, but when we allow ourselves to sink into His light, His glory, then we can see things His way. We can see the way HE wants to solve the problems. We can see Him work on our behalf, instead of us trying in our own strength to solve our problems, and wrestling with something that is way bigger than ourselves. The devil wants to see us defeated, but when we are living in the glory, there is no way he can touch us. We are covered by the Lord's blanket of light and we become impossibly hard for the devil to reach.
Keep living in the Glory! Choose, every day to live in the Glory!!! When you find yourself sinking back into the clouds of life, then remember the words, "live in the glory."
Blessings~
The reason I say there "can be peace" is because I believe that we have to choose to live in the glory, to live in the peace, to live in the light. But we can also choose to wallow in self pity, depression and fear, allowing the storms to rage and never find true peace.
Life is stressful at times, but if we choose to live in the glory, then we'll have peace. Living in the glory isn't easy at times, because we see the circumstances all around us; we see the rain, we see the black clouds, we see it all, but it's just around us, not in us. The problems are still there, they still need to be solved, but when we allow ourselves to sink into His light, His glory, then we can see things His way. We can see the way HE wants to solve the problems. We can see Him work on our behalf, instead of us trying in our own strength to solve our problems, and wrestling with something that is way bigger than ourselves. The devil wants to see us defeated, but when we are living in the glory, there is no way he can touch us. We are covered by the Lord's blanket of light and we become impossibly hard for the devil to reach.
Keep living in the Glory! Choose, every day to live in the Glory!!! When you find yourself sinking back into the clouds of life, then remember the words, "live in the glory."
Blessings~
Friday, June 17, 2011
Life in the Fast Lane
Sometimes we find ourselves living life day to day in the fast lane. We barely take time to stop and enjoy the real things in life. We rush here, we rush there, we have this appointment and that get together and then the next thing we know it, the day has past; the week has passed, the month is gone and the years later down the road we look back and wonder where time went.
I know I often find myself in the fast lane, and realize that I'm missing the real things in life. So often I miss that little smile from my son, or the loving looks in my husband's eyes that he gives me while I'm cooking or cleaning. I miss the sunrise or the sunset, or the beautiful flower that is blooming by my parking spot. I miss the birds that are cheerfully singing their praises and I miss the white fluffy clouds gliding ever so gently through the baby blue sky.
But the biggest thing I so often miss is hearing His soft, comforting voice come sailing on the wind, whispering peace and joy, love and blessings. I have realized that I get so swept up into every day life that I forget Who created the world that I live in. I forget His awesome power and I forget that He wants to be apart of my life, even if I am busy. He wants to share in my life and help me make decisions each day. He wants to be there for me in every aspect of my life, whether I'm on top of a mountain, or in the lowest depths of the sea!
Just remember, sometimes life has to be spent in the fast lane, but don't forget to walk along a path, slowly, enjoying the wonderful presence of God. Don't forget to enjoy the beauty of the field of flowers you are driving by. Don't forget to enjoy opening the windows and hearing the birds singing. Don't forget to allow the peace of God to wash over you. Don't forget to listen to His still soft voice.
Blessings~
I know I often find myself in the fast lane, and realize that I'm missing the real things in life. So often I miss that little smile from my son, or the loving looks in my husband's eyes that he gives me while I'm cooking or cleaning. I miss the sunrise or the sunset, or the beautiful flower that is blooming by my parking spot. I miss the birds that are cheerfully singing their praises and I miss the white fluffy clouds gliding ever so gently through the baby blue sky.
But the biggest thing I so often miss is hearing His soft, comforting voice come sailing on the wind, whispering peace and joy, love and blessings. I have realized that I get so swept up into every day life that I forget Who created the world that I live in. I forget His awesome power and I forget that He wants to be apart of my life, even if I am busy. He wants to share in my life and help me make decisions each day. He wants to be there for me in every aspect of my life, whether I'm on top of a mountain, or in the lowest depths of the sea!
Just remember, sometimes life has to be spent in the fast lane, but don't forget to walk along a path, slowly, enjoying the wonderful presence of God. Don't forget to enjoy the beauty of the field of flowers you are driving by. Don't forget to enjoy opening the windows and hearing the birds singing. Don't forget to allow the peace of God to wash over you. Don't forget to listen to His still soft voice.
Blessings~
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
A David Psalm
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Today I was reflecting on this scripture, which I posted in the Message Version. I really like the Message version a lot of times, because it says things the way I think them.
I thought about the part where it says, "your trusty shepherds crook makes me feel secure." In real life, a shepherd will use his crook to pull a sheep back from the edge of a cliff , or pull it from a mess of briars and bushes. In life, we will often find ourselves at the edge of a cliff, where we are scared and don't know what to do. He brings his crook to us in the form of a family member, a pastor or a friend to help us think things through and to help pull us back from the edge of a cliff. The crook also pulls the sheep back into the herd when they try to stray. Often times the sheep will look at the crook and shepherd as being cruel or hurtful by not allowing them to do what they want, yet in all reality, the Shepherd is just trying to help and save the sheep from utter disaster.
I was also thinking about the part where it says, "you serve me a six course meal in the presence of my enemies." So often we will watch our enemies prosper and go about their way without their path being hindered. They keep lying, cheating, hurting, being selfish, yet they keep prospering. We'll look at them and wonder why God allows that. But in the end, we are going to be the ones who are feasting on God's love and peace. They will watch and be jealous. So often lately, I have wondered why people who have been in my life seem to prosper, yet they have been so hurtful to my family and I. But when I really think about it, I realize, it is ME that is really happy. It is ME that is really enjoying life! It is ME that is getting rewarded by God's love and peace. That is the true reward! Then in the end, we will be resting and enjoying the wonderful presence of God in Heaven!! I can't wait for that day! I love living life on this earth, because I'm with people I love and care for, but to think! No more stress, no more tears! No more pain! Just endless bliss with the One who is SO worth it all!
Blessings to everyone~
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Trust
I don't have much to say today, because this blog is supposed to be about being encouraging to the women around me and I am struggling with being encouraged myself! It's one of those days that my son is fussy, my husband works until almost midnight, it's hot outside, the bills aren't paid (and I don't know where the money is going to come from to pay them) and everything seems to be going wrong...including the bed breaking. It's like one thing after another. It's one of those days that I feel like going to my pillow, digging my head into its feathery deepness and crying.
But it's also one of those days that I am challenging myself to go find scriptures about faith and trust and to keep looking to the One who really does provide. It's just such a stretch for me today and it seems like everything is about to go under! Does anyone else find it hard to keep trusting Him, even though you know, know, KNOW that He will take care of you?
1 Peter 5:7
Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ.
Isaiah 26:3-4
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength.
Psalms 37:7
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him to act. Don't be envious of evil men who prosper.
John 14:18
No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm - I will come to you.
Habakkuk 2:1, 3
I will climb my watchtower now, and wait to see what answer God will give to my complaint.
But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!
I hope these scriptures encourage you, the same they did me.
Blessings~
But it's also one of those days that I am challenging myself to go find scriptures about faith and trust and to keep looking to the One who really does provide. It's just such a stretch for me today and it seems like everything is about to go under! Does anyone else find it hard to keep trusting Him, even though you know, know, KNOW that He will take care of you?
1 Peter 5:7
Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ.
Isaiah 26:3-4
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength.
Psalms 37:7
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him to act. Don't be envious of evil men who prosper.
John 14:18
No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm - I will come to you.
Habakkuk 2:1, 3
I will climb my watchtower now, and wait to see what answer God will give to my complaint.
But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!
I hope these scriptures encourage you, the same they did me.
Blessings~
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thoughts About Life
I was up almost all night with my son, because he is teething and he's constantly in pain. I would get him to sleep and then tip toe out of his room, relief washing over me, thoughts of sleep and dreams would infest my mind and I'd slowly crawl into bed. I'd let my head sink into the fluff of my pillow, feeling my body nestle down into the softness of the bed, every muscle slowly letting the tenseness ease out of my body. I'd close my eyes and feel the sense of peace and quiet around me. I'd hear the deep, steady breathing coming from my husband, then the quietness of the night would be broken by teeny little fusses from my son. After about 10 times of that same scenerio, I finally resigned myself to sitting on the couch, hoping that my body wouldn't get so excited about the possibility of sleep. As I sat on the couch in the wee hours of the morning, I let my head rest on the back of the couch. The house was quiet and my mind began to wander to many different things.
Life has been complicated lately, between my husband getting out of the Navy, to moving to a new place, to finances being very tight, to my son teething and myself having some physical issues. There have been other issues to; my own father having some health issue to other family issues that are sensitive and hard to explain. Life in itself has been overwhelming to me and often times I find myself getting uptight and often in a bad mood. I find myself thinking over and over and over again on how things are going to work out and getting worried over the rent, or the car bill, etc. I find myself doing what I did last night, letting my mind wander and worry, instead of letting my burdens help me turn to God and realize His faithfulness over and over.
God is always faithful, even in the times when we allow ourselves to be overcome with worry and fear. No matter what happens, no matter what problems we have, He is faithful. The verse that comes to mind is, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways and He will make your path straight."
So often I look at our bills and the money we don't have in our account and say, omw, what are we going to do?!!! That is when I have to stop myself and trust in the Lord. My understanding is human...I can only see what is "fact" in our bank account. Yet through the eyes of faith, I can understand that God is always faithful and He cares for us. He won't let us down. Ever.
When life gets overwhelming, learn to trust in God. It's hard, but it's possible. When you find yourself getting worried, remember, God is in control.
Blessings~
Life has been complicated lately, between my husband getting out of the Navy, to moving to a new place, to finances being very tight, to my son teething and myself having some physical issues. There have been other issues to; my own father having some health issue to other family issues that are sensitive and hard to explain. Life in itself has been overwhelming to me and often times I find myself getting uptight and often in a bad mood. I find myself thinking over and over and over again on how things are going to work out and getting worried over the rent, or the car bill, etc. I find myself doing what I did last night, letting my mind wander and worry, instead of letting my burdens help me turn to God and realize His faithfulness over and over.
God is always faithful, even in the times when we allow ourselves to be overcome with worry and fear. No matter what happens, no matter what problems we have, He is faithful. The verse that comes to mind is, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways and He will make your path straight."
So often I look at our bills and the money we don't have in our account and say, omw, what are we going to do?!!! That is when I have to stop myself and trust in the Lord. My understanding is human...I can only see what is "fact" in our bank account. Yet through the eyes of faith, I can understand that God is always faithful and He cares for us. He won't let us down. Ever.
When life gets overwhelming, learn to trust in God. It's hard, but it's possible. When you find yourself getting worried, remember, God is in control.
Blessings~
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Blessings Come Through Raindrops
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
This song means so much to me. Sometimes we don't realize how God's blessings come to us. Sometimes it takes a time in our life where we are so low emotionally and spiritually to realize how much God cares for us and how much He really does provide for us. Sometimes we think that we're so alone and that this whole world is against us, yet it's really during that time that God is protecting us and showing us the Way He has chosen for us. When Jesus walked this earth as a human being, He didn't choose the easiest path. No, He chose the hardest path. The one of pain and suffering, the one where there were tears and trials. Yet when it came down to it, His reward was Heaven. It wasn't always easy for Him to forgive and love when people were hating and cursing Him, yet He continued to show people the power of true love.
Praying that you and I will realize the true blessings that He has given us and that we will always trust Him, no matter where He leads us.
The Lord is my Light
Psalm 27
A David Psalm
1 Light, space, zest— that's God!So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
2 When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
3 When besieged,
I'm calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I'm collected and cool.
4 I'm asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I'll contemplate his beauty;
I'll study at his feet.
5 That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
6 God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.
7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!
9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.
This is The Message Version of this scripture and I just love it! Its like the way I speak and think, so I can relate to it easier. I just was reading this tonight and wanted to share it, because I found it encouraging and soul lifting. Sometimes my world seems to suddenly come crashing around me and I forget the the Lord really is my Light, my Path, my Salvation. When I feel that the people that I want so much to be in my life, yet by their choice, I can't be with them, I have to turn to God and remember that with Him by my side, I need to fear no one and need no one. He is my all in all and God will be faithful even when others aren't. This scripture just means so much to me right now. He raises me up beyond those that forsake me. He carries me through the darkest of nights. He upholds me through my fears and doubts, and shows His mighty power through every circumstance!
Just remember, in your life, when others forsake you, when you find yourself all alone, surrounded by enemies, He is right there. He is your stronghold! He is the One you can count on forever!
Blessings~
Friday, June 10, 2011
You Are Good
Today, after I dropped my husband off at work, I had to run a couple of errands to get bird food and some toys for my son. As I walked through each store, people were always commenting about how cute my baby is and how blessed I am to have a little son.
When they made these comments, over and over, sometimes my mind would wander to the times my son just fusses and cries and how not thankful I am...then I realized, no matter what, children are a blessing from God. Just because my son fusses doesn't mean he's not a blessing!
It caused me to think even deeper on how good God is and how being thankful is so rewarding. I don't ever want to not be thankful for the blessings that God has so generously given to me.
It's challenging, day by day, to be thankful for the seemingly disturbing, frustrating circumstances, but when I take a look around me, I see all the things that there is to be thankful for!
I am so glad to be serving such a wonderful, generous God who is sooooo good and so faithful, even when I am unfaithful...even when I fail.
Blessings to everyone!!!
When they made these comments, over and over, sometimes my mind would wander to the times my son just fusses and cries and how not thankful I am...then I realized, no matter what, children are a blessing from God. Just because my son fusses doesn't mean he's not a blessing!
It caused me to think even deeper on how good God is and how being thankful is so rewarding. I don't ever want to not be thankful for the blessings that God has so generously given to me.
It's challenging, day by day, to be thankful for the seemingly disturbing, frustrating circumstances, but when I take a look around me, I see all the things that there is to be thankful for!
I am so glad to be serving such a wonderful, generous God who is sooooo good and so faithful, even when I am unfaithful...even when I fail.
Blessings to everyone!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Desires of Our Heart
Delight yourself also in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
So in my devotional time I keep being drawn back to Psalm 37 and here is something I found that someone else wrote about this scripture.
"Your relationship with God ought to bring you more joy, satisfaction and pleasure than any other relationship, activity or material possession you have. Scripture exhorts you to delight yourself in the Lord, finding your great pleasure in God an the things dear to His heart. How can you find please in what God enjoys? Only as you spend time with Him will you begin to take delight in the things God loves. As you spend intimate time with God and allow Him to show you your situation from His perspective, you will begin to see things as God sees them. As you adjust yourself to God, your heart will begin to desire the same things God's heart desires. When you pray, you will find yourself asking for the very things God desires. Matters foremost on God's heart will be preeminent on yours. Your first request in prayer will not be for yourself, but for God's name to be exalted and His kingdom to be extended."
I just thought that was very good and it has opened new ways for me, on how to pray and how to seek after the heart of God. I just want to be a woman after God's own heart and to love Him and enjoy spending time in his presence.
Blessings~
Psalm 37:4
So in my devotional time I keep being drawn back to Psalm 37 and here is something I found that someone else wrote about this scripture.
"Your relationship with God ought to bring you more joy, satisfaction and pleasure than any other relationship, activity or material possession you have. Scripture exhorts you to delight yourself in the Lord, finding your great pleasure in God an the things dear to His heart. How can you find please in what God enjoys? Only as you spend time with Him will you begin to take delight in the things God loves. As you spend intimate time with God and allow Him to show you your situation from His perspective, you will begin to see things as God sees them. As you adjust yourself to God, your heart will begin to desire the same things God's heart desires. When you pray, you will find yourself asking for the very things God desires. Matters foremost on God's heart will be preeminent on yours. Your first request in prayer will not be for yourself, but for God's name to be exalted and His kingdom to be extended."
I just thought that was very good and it has opened new ways for me, on how to pray and how to seek after the heart of God. I just want to be a woman after God's own heart and to love Him and enjoy spending time in his presence.
Blessings~
The Roller Coaster
"Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures." - Joseph Addison
"Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
When we delight ourselves in Him, loving his will, his way and his path, then our desires are going to be His desires, ultimately leading to Him giving us the desires of our heart... I hope that makes sense.
Seek after the Lord with all your heart, ask Him what His longings, dreams and hopes are for you. As you have guidance, follow what He shows you and watch the roller coaster of God's love take you to places you never thought you'd go. Let His overwhelming power surprise you with the excitement of His ways. Let His presence overwhelm you with the unknowns and the new things that He wants to accomplish with you and through you!
Blessings~
"Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
When we delight ourselves in Him, loving his will, his way and his path, then our desires are going to be His desires, ultimately leading to Him giving us the desires of our heart... I hope that makes sense.
Seek after the Lord with all your heart, ask Him what His longings, dreams and hopes are for you. As you have guidance, follow what He shows you and watch the roller coaster of God's love take you to places you never thought you'd go. Let His overwhelming power surprise you with the excitement of His ways. Let His presence overwhelm you with the unknowns and the new things that He wants to accomplish with you and through you!
Blessings~
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Power of Love
So the past few weeks have been challenging and hard for me on learning the power of love. Seems that every time I try to be nice and do what Jesus would want, I get "slapped and spit" on. It's been discouraging and heart wrenching to watch people I love and care for hurt themselves emotionally and spiritually. I've had to determine to keep pressing on in God's love and to not back down, give in to my anger and bitterness.
If you find yourself in that kind of situation, don't hesitate to ask for prayer and immerse yourself in the scriptures. Let God's love overflow your heart and don't back down! Keep doing good and you WILL see results, even if it's not on this earth.
Blessings~
If you find yourself in that kind of situation, don't hesitate to ask for prayer and immerse yourself in the scriptures. Let God's love overflow your heart and don't back down! Keep doing good and you WILL see results, even if it's not on this earth.
Blessings~
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
God Never Turns Away A Prayer
God Never Turns Away A Prayer
God never turns away a prayer.
Prayer is what sustains us!
The fervent prayer of the righteous, He will answer
and save them out of trouble.
Never give up, just wait and see
what God is going to do!
For even when it seems that He is silent
He is working in our hearts.
So just praise Him
It's the time to praise Him.
When you're crying, praise Him
When you suffer praise Him
When you need Him, praise Him
That's all that matters, praise Him!
God goes before you to open the way
He's moving mountains
breaking chains
He's a pillar of fire
parting the waters
He opens up doors that no man can close
He works for His people who trust in His spirit,
He's walking beside us both night and by day
Lift up your hands, your Redeemer has come
Raise your voice and sing
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!!!
Sometimes praising God isn't easy, but always remember, He hears your praise and it moves mountains, breaks chains and works in people's hearts. It's SO worth it to keep praising Him!
Blessings to you all!!!!!!!
God never turns away a prayer.
Prayer is what sustains us!
The fervent prayer of the righteous, He will answer
and save them out of trouble.
Never give up, just wait and see
what God is going to do!
For even when it seems that He is silent
He is working in our hearts.
So just praise Him
It's the time to praise Him.
When you're crying, praise Him
When you suffer praise Him
When you need Him, praise Him
That's all that matters, praise Him!
God goes before you to open the way
He's moving mountains
breaking chains
He's a pillar of fire
parting the waters
He opens up doors that no man can close
He works for His people who trust in His spirit,
He's walking beside us both night and by day
Lift up your hands, your Redeemer has come
Raise your voice and sing
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!
We give you the praise!!!
Sometimes praising God isn't easy, but always remember, He hears your praise and it moves mountains, breaks chains and works in people's hearts. It's SO worth it to keep praising Him!
Blessings to you all!!!!!!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Faith Can Move Mountains
This past week has been full of ups and downs emotionally, for me. One minute everything seems like it's going well and then the next minute, everything seems to be going wrong. I'd find myself worrying about every little thing and instead of turning to God, I would turn inward, cave in and even forget to pray. My mind would become so preoccupied with what was going on in my life and my families lives that I would forget to turn to the One who takes care of everything.
Then today I was walking around the mall with my son and I was thinking about how everything started to look "up" today and that the things I was worried about was a mute point now; that God had worked everything out. Once again, I realized that my worry and fear had taken over and that I had failed once again to trust and have faith in Him!
The scripture that came to mind is, "Without Faith, it is Impossible to Please God!" I want to encourage every one during every season of their lives; always, always remember Who is the true Provider and the One who takes care of everything! He knows exactly what is going on in your life. He knows exactly what you need and He will take care of you. He'll never let you down and He'll never give you more than you can handle. And then when it seems like more than you can handle, relax and let Him carry you!
Then today I was walking around the mall with my son and I was thinking about how everything started to look "up" today and that the things I was worried about was a mute point now; that God had worked everything out. Once again, I realized that my worry and fear had taken over and that I had failed once again to trust and have faith in Him!
The scripture that came to mind is, "Without Faith, it is Impossible to Please God!" I want to encourage every one during every season of their lives; always, always remember Who is the true Provider and the One who takes care of everything! He knows exactly what is going on in your life. He knows exactly what you need and He will take care of you. He'll never let you down and He'll never give you more than you can handle. And then when it seems like more than you can handle, relax and let Him carry you!
Footprints:
One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Right On Time
So my husband got out of the Navy a while back due to an injury and because of some other physical issues. We had some trouble finding a place to live and it was only about a week before we were supposed to be out of Military housing that we found an apartment and a co-signer. Then it was a job...we looked and looked and finally my husband was hired on at an Electronic Store. Finances, for me have always stressed me out. When we don't have money in our account (like a good amount), I start panicking and getting frustrated and upset. But the thing I notice is that every time things get tight, God always comes through with something for us...right on time.
The scripture that God constantly reminds me of is this:
Matthew 6:29-31
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
That is "The Message" version. I love the way it says it, instead of the normal way of saying it. Here is the normal version.
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things[c] shall be added to you.
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I think that scripture is SO beautiful. It covers a lot of issues in life and it's Jesus' words of comfort and reassurance that He is ALWAYS on time! :)
Blessings to all of you~
The scripture that God constantly reminds me of is this:
Matthew 6:29-31
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
That is "The Message" version. I love the way it says it, instead of the normal way of saying it. Here is the normal version.
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things[c] shall be added to you.
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I think that scripture is SO beautiful. It covers a lot of issues in life and it's Jesus' words of comfort and reassurance that He is ALWAYS on time! :)
Blessings to all of you~
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Peace I Bring To You
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Numbers 6:25-26
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Rom 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today was an overwhelming day for me. I found myself going into my room and curling up on the bed with my pillow and just crying. I found myself panicking a lot and feeling very alone; like I was fighting a loosing battle and that nothing was ever going to be right in the world. I felt very sad and like there was no hope for the day to go right. Tonight, I decided to try to sleep, but my tumultuous thoughts kept me awake. I came into the living room and starting reading scriptures on peace and comfort. The Lord began to comfort me and helped me realize once more, that He has it all under control. That my future is in His hands and that He will take care of it all. I find myself wanting to hold on to my life and control it, but it always turns out to be a mess if I take charge of my life. When the Lord rules and takes control, then my life goes smoothly and even though I may still have some bumps and bruises, He still carries me and holds me close.
I am so thankful for the peace of God that rules our hearts and minds, when we give ourselves to Him and when we allow Him to guide our steps. Sometimes we may not understand the path He has us on. Sometimes it may seem He is not listening, but He really is. He is listening and He is working on our behalf. It may not seem like things are going to work out, but in the end, when we look back over our life, we will see that He knew what was right all the time and that He really did have everything under control! When you feel like things are wrong and you're sinking below the waves of fear and doubt and unrest, relax, rest and wait on the Lord. Let His peace fill your heart! His peace that passes all understanding will flood your soul and you'll be able to relax and allow Him to guide your steps.
Blessings to all of you! I hope you all have a great weekend~
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Numbers 6:25-26
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Rom 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today was an overwhelming day for me. I found myself going into my room and curling up on the bed with my pillow and just crying. I found myself panicking a lot and feeling very alone; like I was fighting a loosing battle and that nothing was ever going to be right in the world. I felt very sad and like there was no hope for the day to go right. Tonight, I decided to try to sleep, but my tumultuous thoughts kept me awake. I came into the living room and starting reading scriptures on peace and comfort. The Lord began to comfort me and helped me realize once more, that He has it all under control. That my future is in His hands and that He will take care of it all. I find myself wanting to hold on to my life and control it, but it always turns out to be a mess if I take charge of my life. When the Lord rules and takes control, then my life goes smoothly and even though I may still have some bumps and bruises, He still carries me and holds me close.
I am so thankful for the peace of God that rules our hearts and minds, when we give ourselves to Him and when we allow Him to guide our steps. Sometimes we may not understand the path He has us on. Sometimes it may seem He is not listening, but He really is. He is listening and He is working on our behalf. It may not seem like things are going to work out, but in the end, when we look back over our life, we will see that He knew what was right all the time and that He really did have everything under control! When you feel like things are wrong and you're sinking below the waves of fear and doubt and unrest, relax, rest and wait on the Lord. Let His peace fill your heart! His peace that passes all understanding will flood your soul and you'll be able to relax and allow Him to guide your steps.
Blessings to all of you! I hope you all have a great weekend~
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Reason for Living
I was thinking this morning, as I was cleaning my house, how everything just seemed to be everywhere and it all seemed so overwhelming. Well, actually, it is still overwhelming to be honest! But I then I realized that the house cleaning/unpacking really needs to get done, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. So as I began to clean I asked God to help me and the words that came to me were "one step at a time." I grabbed a box and opened it, and took one thing out at a time and put it where it belonged. Soon, the box was empty and ready for the trash and I grabbed the next box. After about an hour, I looked over the house and saw the work that had been accomplished and thought, "Wow! I have emptied 4 boxes and put a LOT of stuff away!"
I still have a long way to go before everything is done...hours and hours of work are still ahead of me, but it got me to thinking about life. When we try to take life at leaps and bounds, sometimes we get caught up in how overwhelming life is. We think about all that we want/need to accomplish and get swamped in feeling like nothing will ever get done and we'll forever be drowned in "things to do." And when we get swamped like that, sometimes we loose focus on Who is important. We get so focused on living life and getting things done that Jesus becomes side-lined. We get up in the morning and just start our day without praying, reading His word and immersing ourselves in His love. We forget to have quiet times where we sit and listen to Him speak.
I don't want to forget why I'm here on earth. I don't want to loose sight of the One Who has rescued me, saved me and is the real Reason for living life every day. He IS our life, and I don't want to get side tracked into my every day, busy life and push the One Who means so much to me, to the side. I want His thoughts for my day, I want His will for my day. I want Him to speak to me, to correct me, to love me and show me what His perfect will is for my life, every day.
The song I thought of earlier is this:
"Keep your eyes on the Lord and keep your feet upon the pathway
don't give up. No don't give up.
Don't give up, time is short, there's no time to stop, no time to waste.
Don't give up, no don't give up!
Keep your hand on the sword and don't let down your shield of faith...
don't give up, no don't give up."
I think there are more words to the song, but that's all I can remember.
So ladies! Remember the One who is the Reason for living! Don't push Him to the side. Let him be your best friend and let Him be your guide!
Blessings~
I still have a long way to go before everything is done...hours and hours of work are still ahead of me, but it got me to thinking about life. When we try to take life at leaps and bounds, sometimes we get caught up in how overwhelming life is. We think about all that we want/need to accomplish and get swamped in feeling like nothing will ever get done and we'll forever be drowned in "things to do." And when we get swamped like that, sometimes we loose focus on Who is important. We get so focused on living life and getting things done that Jesus becomes side-lined. We get up in the morning and just start our day without praying, reading His word and immersing ourselves in His love. We forget to have quiet times where we sit and listen to Him speak.
I don't want to forget why I'm here on earth. I don't want to loose sight of the One Who has rescued me, saved me and is the real Reason for living life every day. He IS our life, and I don't want to get side tracked into my every day, busy life and push the One Who means so much to me, to the side. I want His thoughts for my day, I want His will for my day. I want Him to speak to me, to correct me, to love me and show me what His perfect will is for my life, every day.
The song I thought of earlier is this:
"Keep your eyes on the Lord and keep your feet upon the pathway
don't give up. No don't give up.
Don't give up, time is short, there's no time to stop, no time to waste.
Don't give up, no don't give up!
Keep your hand on the sword and don't let down your shield of faith...
don't give up, no don't give up."
I think there are more words to the song, but that's all I can remember.
So ladies! Remember the One who is the Reason for living! Don't push Him to the side. Let him be your best friend and let Him be your guide!
Blessings~
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Way of Love
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. 8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
I know this scripture is really long, but this morning when I was reading it, I began to think about what it really means to love. Love can come in several different ways, in different forms and in different sort of relationships. But over all, love is the key to holding everything together. When you love someone, you're willing to work with them, help them, speak to them, correct them and forgive them. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forms of Love, because when things go wrong, the human tendency is to draw back and just say "forget it," "I don't want to deal with this anymore" etc. But when you choose to forgive, you are following directly in Jesus' foot steps. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they're doing." He chose to forgive those men who were mocking him, spitting on him and ultimately, killing him. That is true love and that is true forgiveness. When you can look your adversary in the eye and forgive them, you're displaying true love.
Choosing to forgive isn't always easy. For me, I've found that I think I've forgiven someone and then something else pops up in my life where bitterness shows it's ugly head again and I realize, I just pushed that grudge under the carpet, instead of truly forgiving. And sometimes, because we're human, we have to keep forgiving and keep choosing to love. Pray for the person you are forgiving. Ask God to bless them. Ask God to bring you closer to him/her with the power of His Love. Just never forget, Love is the most powerful force on earth!!! Blessings~
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A Letter From God
My Mom sent this to me this morning and I found it encouraging, so I thought I'd share it with all of you!
If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?
If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an over comer?
If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a forgiver?
If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue
If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem, How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, Then what would you need me for?
Love, Jesus
Jesus wants us to come to Him with all of our joys, excitements, fears, doubts, troubles; He wants us to talk to Him like He is our best friend. There is nothing that God doesn't understand or know about us. He wants us to enjoy spending time with Him, talking to Him, as if He were our Father.
Remember, in the troubled times, He knows what it's like. When you feel you don't have a friend in the world who understands, He knows and understands. When you have the deepest of joys, share it with Him. He wants to be apart of your life, not just the person you pray to to get answers. He wants to know you!
Blessings to all of you women!!!! Have a great day :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Cleansing Rain
It's a beautiful, rainy day in San Diego! I love it when it rains, because it makes everything look so bright and clean. It reminds me of how God brings His cleansing rain to purify our hearts and minds. It makes me think about this scripture:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
What does it mean to you, to have a clean heart and a steadfast spirit within you? Does it make you think about what you say, think and do? What does it mean to you to have a steadfast spirit? Does it cause you to remember, even in the bad times, that God is there for you? That no matter what comes your way, you can hold onto the Rock, the Fortress, the Deliverer? What do you do when the storms of life come your way? Do you blow with the wind, getting tossed to and fro? Or do you allow the winds to help you stand stronger and straighter, more determined to make it through?
I want to encourage you to stand strong! When you feel the winds of despair, discouragement and fear wash over you, turn to God, instead of letting the winds crush you. When you feel the waves crash around, reach out for Him. Call on His name. He will never leave you, or forsake you. There will be times when the darkness creeps in and you feel all alone, but remember, it is in those times that He is the closest to you. That is when He is carrying you.
Remember, God is a whispered prayer away. He hears your inmost thoughts. Call on Him and He will answer you. Reach out and He will help you. And most of all, trust Him. Let the rain of His love cleanse and wash you, purifying your heart. Let His never ending Love keep you in a steadfast spirit. Blessings to all of you women!
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
What does it mean to you, to have a clean heart and a steadfast spirit within you? Does it make you think about what you say, think and do? What does it mean to you to have a steadfast spirit? Does it cause you to remember, even in the bad times, that God is there for you? That no matter what comes your way, you can hold onto the Rock, the Fortress, the Deliverer? What do you do when the storms of life come your way? Do you blow with the wind, getting tossed to and fro? Or do you allow the winds to help you stand stronger and straighter, more determined to make it through?
I want to encourage you to stand strong! When you feel the winds of despair, discouragement and fear wash over you, turn to God, instead of letting the winds crush you. When you feel the waves crash around, reach out for Him. Call on His name. He will never leave you, or forsake you. There will be times when the darkness creeps in and you feel all alone, but remember, it is in those times that He is the closest to you. That is when He is carrying you.
Remember, God is a whispered prayer away. He hears your inmost thoughts. Call on Him and He will answer you. Reach out and He will help you. And most of all, trust Him. Let the rain of His love cleanse and wash you, purifying your heart. Let His never ending Love keep you in a steadfast spirit. Blessings to all of you women!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Encouraging Word
Encouraging Words
Welcome! I'm going to try my hand a blogging things that I find encouraging in my daily life, Bible Studies and talks with God.
I am a new mom to a little boy, TJ, who is seven months old and a wife of one year to my awesome husband, Paul. We have gone through a lot in the past year; getting married, having a baby, being in the Navy, getting out of the Navy and financial, spiritual, emotional and physical problems. But one thing I've learned is that God is always, always faithful.
One thing I have learned about God is that He never does things in my own timing; but He loves to stretch me to the very last minute, then He shows me His awesome power and parts the waters of the "red sea."
Here is a scripture I found encouraging to me today:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
I am so thankful that God is always there for me. I want to search after God with all my heart, so I can find Him and His desires for me. I am so glad that when I am lowly, He lifts me up; when I am feeling sad, He will comfort me; when I am humble, He will lift me up! When I am searching after Him, He will fill me with His spirit. When I help those in need, He is merciful to me in return and when I set myself aside for purity, I will see Him!
Blessings to all of you women! I hope you find this blog encouraging! Feel free to follow this blog and read it when you feel down.
Welcome! I'm going to try my hand a blogging things that I find encouraging in my daily life, Bible Studies and talks with God.
I am a new mom to a little boy, TJ, who is seven months old and a wife of one year to my awesome husband, Paul. We have gone through a lot in the past year; getting married, having a baby, being in the Navy, getting out of the Navy and financial, spiritual, emotional and physical problems. But one thing I've learned is that God is always, always faithful.
One thing I have learned about God is that He never does things in my own timing; but He loves to stretch me to the very last minute, then He shows me His awesome power and parts the waters of the "red sea."
Here is a scripture I found encouraging to me today:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.I am so thankful that God is always there for me. I want to search after God with all my heart, so I can find Him and His desires for me. I am so glad that when I am lowly, He lifts me up; when I am feeling sad, He will comfort me; when I am humble, He will lift me up! When I am searching after Him, He will fill me with His spirit. When I help those in need, He is merciful to me in return and when I set myself aside for purity, I will see Him!
Blessings to all of you women! I hope you find this blog encouraging! Feel free to follow this blog and read it when you feel down.
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